If you're a big fan of 2D platformers, N++ is borderline essential. All you need to do is reach the exit of each single-screen level using the momentum-based abilities of your little ninja avatar. It's extremely simple, but expertly done; gameplay is smooth as butter, instant restarts make it hopelessly addictive, and the visuals are superbly minimalistic. With thousands of levels across single player, multiplayer, and user-submitted creations, N++ will last even the most hardcore platformer fan a very long time.

Supergiant Games never rests on its laurels, creating unique and original games with every release. Pyre is no exception -- primarily a visual novel, you'll also take a trio of characters into various Rites, which play out like some fantastical sport. There's simply nothing like it, and what's more, it tells a great story with an interesting cast of characters. And, as you'd expect from the studio, it's absolutely gorgeous. If you're after something completely different, Pyre is fantastic.

This creepy platformer plays on the idea of a child's nightmares, and it's just as twisted and surreal as that sounds. This 2.5D adventure sees you playing as Six, a youngster trapped in the Maw. As you make your brave escape, you'll encounter hideous monsters to avoid and environmental puzzles to solve. It's the heavy atmosphere that really makes Little Nightmares stand out; it's not the scariest game in the world, but there's something deeply unsettling about the adventure. Play this one with the lights on.

Rogue-lites are ten a penny these days, but one of the best is Rogue Legacy. Each run starts with a new hero with randomly generated traits, and each time you enter the castle, you face a different layout. What makes it so fiendishly compelling is the slow trickle of persistent progress you make between runs, slowly but surely earning all manner of permanent upgrades. Simple to play but challenging to conquer, this will have you hooked to the screen.

Owlboy took a while to swoop onto PS4, but it remains a wonderful side-scroller. Otus' adventure takes him and his buddies all over the place, letting you explore the vertical world and its hidden depths. The cast of characters is brilliantly written, and the pixel art style is consistently beautiful. Its unique gameplay and memorable story set it apart from other 2D titles -- it's a real hoot (sorry).

Having grown up alongside PlayStation, Stephen has developed a wide knowledge of video games, from AAA blockbusters to the smallest indie gems. He also has the Platinum for The Witness, so there’s that.

A couple of these are in my backlog (Dead Cells, The Witness) and a couple more have caught my eye after reading this article (Hyper Light Drifter, Everything)
Resogun, Inside, What Remains of EF, and Journey are fabulous. Rocket League I find quite over-rated though. To each their own.

Inside was one of the best experiences I've had on PS4, I will soon be into my second playthrough to wrap up all the trophies. I've also recently started on What Remains of Edith Finch, thanks to PS Plus.

Hollow Knight is one of my favourite games of this generation though. Such a wonderful game and has some brutally challenging combat and platforming sections for those who want to face them. The pantheons were a step too far for me..

Good list! Pyre is a great game-it is a story/character driven game melded with a fantasy sports sim. Very fun. But one thing not mentioned in the write up is the amazing sound track for that game. Like all Supergiant offerings (and Bastion and Transistor should probably be on this list too!), the music is fantastic. Maybe my favorite in all of gaming. It is worth picking up the soundtrack even if you don’t play the game! (although you should also do yourself a favor and play the game).

I really need to play Everything and Wargroove. Cant really call RL an Indie imo anymore. Being owned by Epic and all. Journey is still one of the most profound gaming experiences Ive ever had. Truly disappointing he went mobile for his last game

Ah, there's always time to disagree with lists I suppose. My three favourites would be The Banner Saga, Hollow Knight and Hotline Miami from the top of my head. Never understood why that snoozefest Journey always gets so much praise though.

@Rudy_Manchego The dash made me wanna pull my hair out, but it was worth it so I could use the stamina upgrade equipment for the entire game. The third time I did it, I did it as soon as I was able to in the play through, and then I cloud saved that save file so in future play throughs I wouldn't have to do it again. As a side effect, I'm now really, really good at dashing. 😂

@Rudy_Manchego@Giygas_95 I have managed it in 6-7 deaths, it’s really not a long game so once you get it down it’s not a big effort, but really I think you need to do NG+ then using all your skills go back to normal for your no death run. I waited too long and lost my edge. But I do remember I absolutely had it down on NG+, most bosses one shot you and they are more aggressive and have a lot more health. As per normal mode it was the north boss who gave the most grief, and the final boss.

@kyleforrester87@Giygas_95 I will defo give NG+ a try at some point. I can't remember which boss gave me the most trouble other than the final boss. That one was a LOT of retries to get the timings exact. Why I like this game over most 'difficult' games is that the difficulty is truly baked into the levels and gameplay rather than being an artifical gate or needing grinding to get past.